I was cleaning up the kitchen this afternoon when I suddenly heard Saydie say, “I know you don’t like it baby, but we have to do it anyway!”

I looked up and saw my almost five year old holding a tissue, gently wiping her baby sister’s nose.

I didn’t ask her to. She just saw a need and took care of it. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

And it made my heart smile so big. What a precious moment I got to witness amidst all the waves we’re riding right now.

This winter has been so brutal for us. I honestly can’t remember the last time everyone in our household was healthy. It’s been a long time.

And truthfully, I’m so weary from it all. I’ve been sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, and if I’m being really honest, I’ve been angry.
I’m so desperate for a break. I’m so desperate for a little bit of normalcy again.

But seeing this interaction between my girls was the gentle conviction my heart desperately needed. I can choose to sit in my pain and be overcome by it… or I can choose to claim the goodness of the one who already overcame.

This storm I’m weathering right now is hard. And it’s okay for me to be vulnerable in this season. My Savior welcomes my brokenness.

But even through the stress, sickness, grief, life changes, and sleepless nights that seem never-ending…
God is still God.
He is still good.
And His joy is still mine… snotty noses, weary souls, broken hearts and all.